NEED TO KNOW

Rachel Beanland's new book The Half Life centers on a Navy community on an Mediterranean island

The story is drawn from Beanland's own childhood, which she later learned "had actually been a lot more complicated — and contentious — than I realized"

Beanland is also the author of Florence Adler Swims Forever and The House Is on Fire

Rachel Beanland 's own experience as a "military brat" set the stage for her upcoming novel, The Half Life .

PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at the cover of The Half Life , set for release this summer.

The novel follows Eileen O’Malley, 23, who is swept off her feet by naval officer Paul Archer and the two quickly wed. The marriage and Paul's military service transports them to La Maddalena, a Mediterranean island where the offi

See Full Page